Voting Early In CA: 5 Things To Know

CALIFORNIA — Election day is about a month away, but Californians were already allowed to begin voting Monday for the General Election, which will decide the fate of the governorship, seats in the U.S. Senate and seven statewide propositions on everything from abortion rights to legalized sports betting.

Here's what you need to know about voting ahead of the Nov. 8 Election Day.

"We're urging all Californians to vote early this year," said California Secretary of State Shirley Weber. "You don't have to wait until Election Day because voting by mail makes it easy as soon as you get your ballots. Every person who votes early will help keep lines shorter and reduce wait times at in-person voting locations on Election Day."

1. Ballots Were Mailed To Every Resident

In the Golden State, Monday was also the last day for counties to send out vote-by-mail ballots, which every registered voter will automatically receive, according to the California Secretary of State’s office.

From drop boxes to vote centers — residents can vote early by dropping a ballot off at a drop box or by mailing in a ballot. Find a complete list of sites, directions, hours of operation and other information in your county here.

Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by Nov. 8 and ballots returned at a designated ballot drop box must be deposited by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

In most instances, Californians are not required to show identification to cast a ballot. But those who did not provide a driver's license number or a social security number while registering to vote may be asked to do so while voting for the first time in person.

2. Early In-Person Voting Allowed In Some Counties This Year

Of California's 58 counties, 28 counties will allow early in-person voting this year under the Voter’s Choice Act, established by Senate Bill 450, which was signed into law in 2016. Counties that adopted the VCA will give residents the option of casting a ballot at a vote center beginning Oct. 29.

Up to 10 days ahead of the election, the following counties will allow residents to vote in person:

• Alameda
• Amador
• Butte
• Calaveras
• El Dorado
• Fresno
• Kings
• Los Angeles
• Madera
• Marin
• Mariposa
• Merced
• Napa
• Nevada
• Orange
• Riverside
• Sacramento
• San Benito
• San Diego
• San Mateo
• Santa Clara
• Santa Cruz
• Sonoma
• Stanislaus
• Toulumne
• Ventura
• Yolo

In-person early voting is also now available at every county election office.

3. There Are Several Opportunities To Register

For those who need to register, the traditional deadline is Oct. 24. To register online, visit www.registertovote.ca.gov/.

Registration applications can also be found at post offices, government offices and public libraries.

For those who miss the deadline, same-day registration will be available for "conditional" registration, in which a provisional ballot is given out. The state allows for same-day registration until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters should update their status if they have moved their residence or have changed their name or party affiliation. To check personal registration status, visit VoterStatus.sos.ca.gov.

4. Voters Can Track Ballots

Early voters can begin tracking their ballots as soon as they have cast them. The state allows voters to sign up to track a ballot throughout the process. The site offers a free subscription that sends automatic notifications by text, email or voicemail on the status of the ballot. Sign up here.

5. Some Have Not Received A Mail-In Ballot Yet

For those who have not yet received a ballot in the mail, it will likely arrive Tuesday or Wednesday due to the Oct. 10 federal holiday. The U.S. Postal Service was closed across the country to observe the long-standing holiday.

What's On The Ballot?

The General Election ballot will include:

• Seven ballot propositions.
• Statewide candidates for U.S. Senate, governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, controller, treasurer, attorney general, insurance commissioner, member of State Board of Equalization and state superintendent of public instruction.
• U.S. Representative in Congress, state senator and state assembly member.
• Supreme Court justices, as well as other local candidates and local measures.

Bay City News contributed to this report.